A chief International Air Transport Association (IATA) official has reaffirmed the need to re-open borders with COVID-19 testing and provide aviation financial support amid the pandemic.
Rafael Schvartzman, the IATA’s regional vice president for Europe, offered the remarks while recently addressing the Portugal Air Summit.
“Quarantine of any length will continue the economic destruction of COVID-19,” he said. “Testing must replace, not shorten, quarantine. And testing costs should be borne by governments, in line with the WHO’s International Health Regulations. Swift and consistent action from European governments is essential if the year-end travel season is to be saved in any form.”
The IATA maintains passenger demand has plummeted, and 2020 is expected to see passenger numbers down at least 70 percent compared to last year. Additionally, per the IATA, 340 million travelers in the region are expected to fly this year compared to 1.2 billion in 2019.
“Airlines are burning through cash at the rate of $300,000 a minute in the second half of 2020,” Schvartzman said. “And much of the government support that has enabled them to remain viable is running out. The prospect of catastrophic job losses is very real. Continued financial support is desperately needed until the industry can get back on its feet.”
An IATA survey determined 83 percent of travelers will not fly if they have to quarantine on arrival; 88 percent are willing to be tested to facilitate travel; 65 percent agree quarantine is not necessary if a person tests negative for COVID-19; and 39 percent believe the government should pay for testing and 25 percent believe it should be the responsibility of travelers.